The Week of January 27-February 2
Security and Conflict
Afghanistan Security Incident Report 2024 Released – The Afghanistan Security Watch annual report documents 406 security incidents in 2024, with 214 independently verified. Anti-Taliban forces, including the Afghanistan Freedom Front (81 incidents confirmed) and the National Resistance Front (76 incidents confirmed), were responsible for most attacks. ISKP accounted for 19 incidents, while 27 were linked to unidentified groups. The violence resulted in 538 casualties, including 241 deaths—107 civilians and 94 Taliban. Official Taliban casualty figures may be underreported, as opposition groups claim 694 Taliban deaths and 578 injuries. The full report can be accessed here
Son Of Deputy Governor of Badgis Killed in Pakistan – On Thursday, Pakistani security forces killed Badruddin Yusuf, the son of the Taliban deputy governor of Badghis, in a drone strike in Dera Ismail Khan. He was reportedly a trainer at a TTP training center and had also trained fighters at an Afghan Taliban facility, which has since been handed over to the TTP. Two TTP militants from the Zarrar Gandapur group were also killed in the operation. No official statements have been issued yet.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Eight Allegedly Killed for Connections to Resistance – Eight individuals, including Noor Rahman, Syed Akbar, and Abdul Hakim, were reportedly tortured and killed by the Taliban in Kabul, Parwan, and other provinces for allegedly collaborating with opposition groups. The victims bore signs of torture and gunshot wounds. On Sunday, January 26, Abdul Hakim's family fled after a Taliban raid during his funeral. The Taliban have not commented on the allegations.
Former ANSF Detained – This week, the Taliban detained two former military personnel, Abdul Wasi Kohgadai and Nazir Ahmad, in Balkh and Baghlan provinces. Wasi, a fruit vendor in Mazar-e-Sharif, is the brother of slain Resistance Front commander Hamza Kohgadai. Nazir, a former National Army officer, was arrested in Nahrin.
Two Religious Scholars Arrested – On Monday, the Taliban arrested two religious scholars, Mahmood Hassan and Abdul Qadir Qanit, in Kabul for criticizing Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada’s centralized rule. Hassan, a former head of Hajj and Religious Affairs in Panjshir, and Qanit, from Takhar, were detained after speaking at a public gathering. Their families have no information on their whereabouts.
ANSF Killed in Kandahar – On Wednesday, Faizullah Miraj, a former Afghan military officer, was assassinated in Helmand’s 7th district by gunmen on a motorcycle using a silenced pistol. After the government’s collapse, he worked as a driver and had been repeatedly arrested and tortured by the Taliban.
Arrests in Takhar – The Taliban arrested two former soldiers and one of their own fighters in Takhar, accusing them of involvement in a recent explosion near the governor’s office. The detainees—Hafizullah, Jabar Baloch, and Qari Ehsanullah—were taken to an undisclosed location. Over the past three days, the Taliban have escalated detentions in Takhar, arresting at least 10 residents without providing official statements on the crackdown.
Former ANSF Arrested in Daikundi – On Friday, the Taliban arrested two former soldiers, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Amin, in Kateh Sang, Shahristan district. Both brothers previously served in the National Security Directorate and police before the Taliban takeover. They have been transferred to an unknown location, and their family has no information about them. The Taliban in Daikundi have not commented on the arrests.
Former Government Officials Arrested – On Wednesday, the Taliban arrested three former government officials in Helmand’s Nawa district for alleged links to the NRF, confiscating weapons. Their police command confirmed the arrests. Two days earlier, five more were detained in Takhar. The NRF has not yet commented on the Taliban’s recent crackdown.
Former Mayor Arrested – On Wednesday, The Taliban arrested Mohammad Musa Rahmati, former mayor of Karukh district, Herat, on Wednesday. He was detained by Qudratullah Ahmadi, the Taliban’s district governor, and transferred to an unknown location. His family has been denied visitation. The Taliban have not commented on the arrest.
Ismailis Forced to Convert in Badakhshan – Reports have emerged that Taliban official Juma Khan Fatih in Badakhshan forced around 30 Ismailis to convert to Sunni Islam. He warned residents of Zebak, Shughnan, Yamgan, and Ishkashim, labeling them infidels and stating that refusal to convert could result in execution. This aligns with a broader pattern of Taliban persecution of Ismailis and other religious minorities.
Floggings – On Tuesday, three men were flogged in Kunduz, Paktika, and Uruzgan, respectively. On Wednesday, two people were flogged in Nangarhar, and three were flogged in Panjshir. Reports indicate that 31 people have been flogged in the past month.
School Shut Down and Equipment Confiscated – On Wednesday, the Taliban confiscated all electronic equipment from the Ofogh-e-Jadid (New Horizon) educational institute in Daikundi and shut down its office in Ghor’s Lal wa Sarjangal district. While most detained employees have been released, provincial heads Sulaiman Ehsani of Bamiyan and Mohsen Saadat of Daikundi remain imprisoned. On January 15, Taliban intelligence arrested five officials of the institute in Daikundi.
Taliban Shut school for Orphans in Bamiyan – On Saturday, Taliban officials shut down Tasa’ud School in Bamiyan, displacing orphans and impoverished students. Reports indicate Taliban fighters harassed, beat staff and students, seized phones, and damaged property. While no official statement was given, sources suggest a legal dispute as the cause.
Vice and Virtue Force Shop Closures for Prayers – In several provinces, including Panjshir, Taliban morality police have begun sealing shops open during prayers and detaining non-compliant shopkeepers. On January 29 in Panjshir, a barber shop was shut down for trimming a customer’s beard. Critics argue these measures—such as mandatory congregational prayers and beard regulations—severely restrict personal freedoms and foster fear. These policies were also enforced during the 1990s.
Internal Politics
Taliban Hold Meeting in Kandahar – A major Taliban meeting will take place in Kandahar under the supervision of Mullah Hibatullah on Friday, where key officials and stakeholders will decide Afghanistan’s governance based on newly evaluated decrees. Mullah Baradar and other leaders have already arrived. The meeting coincides with Donald Trump’s return to office, growing international pressure, and an ICC request to arrest Mullah Hibatullah and Supreme Court head Abdul Hakim Haqqani.
Abbas Stanakzai Leaves Afghanistan After Arrest Warrant Issued – Last week, Abbas Stanakzai, Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister, fled Afghanistan after Mullah Hibatullah ordered his arrest and a travel ban following Stanakzai’s January 20 speech criticizing the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education. Speaking at a graduation in Khost, he called the policy un-Islamic and a personal view of Hibatullah, ignoring the rights of 20 million Afghan women. Defense Minister Yaqoob Mujahid facilitated his escape to Dubai. The Taliban remain silent, while allies deny internal disputes.
Banking Concerns – On Monday, amid the Afghani’s depreciation, Taliban Central Bank chief Noor Ahmad Agha urged private banks to use Afghani for transactions, emphasizing its stabilization as a government priority. The suspension of U.S. aid caused the currency’s value to drop from 73 to 82 per dollar in a week, delaying civil employee salaries. Experts credit international aid for prior stability and warn of further depreciation if aid cuts persist, despite Taliban market interventions.
Taliban hold ‘Unity’ Meeting – On Tuesday, the Taliban held a meeting in Kabul titled "National Unity and Stability of the Islamic System," focusing on claims of public support for their governance. Officials highlighted sacrifices made for the current system and described their administration as a "pure Islamic system." Leaders encouraged public cooperation and assured efforts to address grievances. The meeting coincided with growing international scrutiny, including ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders over alleged crimes against humanity, including gender-based persecution.
Mullah Haibatullah Graduation speech – On January 26, Mullah Hibatullah addressed a graduation ceremony at Jihadiya Madrassa in Kandahar, emphasizing that their rule was achieved through sacrifice and not external powers. He vowed to uphold Islamic Sharia law, resist international threats, and safeguard Islam. His remarks come amid international pressure, including U.S. criticism and potential ICC arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders.
International Developments
SIGAR Report Released – On Thursday, SIGAR released its latest report covering key information on U.S. spending in Afghanistan, the current situation in the country, and aid provided to Afghan resettled populations and refugees. Since 2021, the U.S. has allocated $21.36 billion in aid, including $8.7 billion for Afghan evacuees under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW). President Trump issued executive orders on January 20, 2025, pausing foreign aid for 90 days and temporarily halting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, canceling flights for 1,660 approved Afghan refugees. The report also details Taliban policies threatening human rights, Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions, and ISIS-K’s growing threat to Afghanistan and Europe. An estimated 22.9 million Afghans will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. The full report can be accessed Here
Impact of Freezing US Aid to Afghanistan – On Tuesday, the Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Economy announced that the suspension of U.S. aid has halted the operations of 50 international relief organizations across 28 Afghan provinces, severely impacting the country’s economy. The Afghan currency, the Afghani, has sharply devalued, prompting the Taliban to forcibly regulate currency markets and auction millions of dollars in an attempt to stabilize it. Taliban officials deny reliance on foreign aid, rejecting claims of receiving U.S. assistance and emphasizing their independence. However, experts warn that maintaining economic stability without U.S. financial support is unsustainable. Previously, the U.S. provided over $40 million per week to Afghanistan, with more than $3 billion allocated under Taliban control last year. Observers note that this funding played a vital role in sustaining the Taliban government’s economic operations, which now face significant challenges due to the aid suspension.
Pakistan Envoy Discusses Afghanistan with UN – On Thursday, Pakistan’s UN envoy, Munir Akram, discussed Afghanistan’s future and regional stability with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Security Council representatives. The talks come amid growing tensions over TTP fighters relocating to Kandahar, fueling Pakistan’s accusations that the Afghan Taliban harbors militants. In response to increased attacks, Pakistan launched airstrikes on TTP positions in Paktika in December, killing 46. The discussions also addressed Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and ongoing security threats.
Canadian Citizen Released by the Taliban – On Monday, David Lavery, a former Canadian special forces member, arrived in Qatar after being freed from an Afghan prison with Qatari assistance. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed his safe arrival and thanked Qatar. Qatari mediators coordinated with Canada, assessed his health, and facilitated family contact. The Taliban has not commented.
Freedom of the Press
Taliban Stop Issuing TV Licenses – The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, under orders from Mullah Hibatullah, has stopped granting licenses for new television channels. Requests for new TV stations have been rejected, enforcing stricter media policies. Additionally, the Taliban has banned images of living beings in government offices, with plans to extend this restriction nationwide as part of their moral enforcement laws.
Regional Developments
CSTO Meeting on Afghanistan – OOn Wednesday, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov discussed strengthening Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan. Tasmagambetov emphasized that border security is vital for all CSTO members, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The CSTO has launched a five-year security plan prioritizing military equipment and border protection. Tajikistan remains wary of Taliban influence and continues fortifying its borders to counter security threats and extremist movements linked to Afghanistan. Tajikistan has also recently been deporting Afghans.
Iranian Statement on Drugs in Afghanistan – On Friday, Iranian official Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian stated that drug trafficking from Afghanistan persists despite the Taliban’s cultivation ban, as traffickers continue to use existing stockpiles. He also discussed border security, Iran’s water rights, and drug control in Kabul. The UN reported a 19% rise in poppy cultivation in 2024, and the CSTO has warned of increasing terrorism and drug smuggling from Afghanistan.
Trade Agreement signed with Uzbekistan – On Sunday, the Taliban signed a $4.5 million trade deal with Uzbekistan, strengthening economic ties. Minister Nooruddin Azizimet with Uzbekistan’s private sector, proposing five annual trade exhibitions and discussing a joint chamber of commerce.
Gas Imports From Russia – Afghanistan imported 10,000 tons of gas condensate from Russia in January 2024, facilitated by the Ghazanfar Group for its 150,000-ton capacity refinery. The first shipment arrived in Hairatan on January 27, with another 5,000-ton delivery expected in February. Despite domestic crude reserves, Afghanistan relies on imports due to limited refining capacity. After restricting imports in September 2023, Afghanistan resumed purchases later that year, sourcing 5,000–7,000 tons from Turkmenistan and Iran.
Miscellaneous
Rapid increase in Food prices – A sharp decline in Afghanistan’s currency has led to rising food prices and economic instability, the World Food Program reported. The Afghani fell 7.6% against the U.S. dollar in a week, impacting essential imports such as wheat, rice, and oil. Da Afghanistan Bank has held dollar auctions to stabilize the currency, but inflation, high fuel costs, and reduced foreign aid continue to strain Afghan households.
NEXT WEEK
House-to-house searches, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, will continue this week as part of Pakistan’s confirmed phased deportation plan. Afghan refugees, including those with UNHCR cards, are urged to exercise caution in their movements. Migrants are increasingly vulnerable to extortion by landlords and other locals during this period.
The Taliban are expected to continue their intensified campaign of arrests, detentions, and killings of former government officials, ex-ANSF members, and individuals suspected of ties to resistance forces. Reports indicate a surge in targeted assassinations of former security personnel, driven by past affiliations or personal conflicts— a trend likely to persist in the coming weeks. Those who worked with the ANSF, the former government, or have recently returned from Pakistan, Iran, or Tajikistan should exercise extreme caution regarding housing, communication, and movements.
Recently resettled Afghans in the U.S. have lost access to certain benefits. All Afghans should be aware of their legal rights regarding ICE enforcement and ensure they carry proper documentation at all times. Those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or parole should consult attorneys promptly to explore legal pathways to remain in the U.S. Additional resources are available in English and Dari. Additional resources for Afghans currently in the US on Parole can be found here and a guide for those who have sponsored Afghans can be found here.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Kerman Prosecutor Statement on Afghans in Iran – On Monday, Mehdi Bakhshi, Kerman’s prosecutor, announced that Afghan citizens are restricted to seven districts in Kerman, with authorities closely monitoring population trends. Employers hiring unauthorized foreign workers face fines equivalent to five times the daily wage. Bakhshi also highlighted illicit transport networks facilitating the movement of undocumented Afghans, linking them to the January 3, 2024, terrorist attack in Kerman. He noted that many of those involved in these networks are young, including university graduates, who are drawn to such activities due to financial incentives or a lack of better job opportunities.
Interior Minister Met Norway Special Representative for Afghanistan – On Wednesday, Nader YarAhmadi, an official from Iran’s Interior Ministry, urged Norway’s Special Representative for Afghanistan to support Iran’s efforts in hosting Afghan refugees. He cited Afghanistan’s worsening food, education, and healthcare situation as key drivers of migration. Tehran expects Norway to mobilize international support and facilitate NGO operations in Iran.
Foreign Minister Statement on Afghan Migrants – On Sunday, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni stated that 1.1 million Afghan migrants have been deported since the start of this solar year, though 50% have returned. He emphasized that Iran lacks the capacity to accept more migrants and is working to close its borders.
PAKISTAN
Searches and Detentions of Afghan Resume – Beginning on Thursday, Pakistani police resumed arrested Afghan refugees, including women and children, in Islamabad’s Bharaku area, targeting even those with UNHCR refugee cards. Videos show detained women with small children, with police transferring detainees to Haji Camp before deportation. House searches and patrols by plainclothes officers continue, with reports of violent treatment, including beatings by female officers.
Pakistan Holds Review Hearing on the Relocation of Afghans – On Wednesday, a meeting was held to discuss the deportation of Afghan citizens. A document outlining the phases of the deportation plan was shared, summarized as follows:
Phase 1: Immediate relocation and repatriation of ACC cardholders and undocumented Afghans to Afghanistan as part of the initial stage.
Phase 2: Proof of Registration (POR) cardholders, granted an extension to stay in Pakistan until June 30, 2025, will not face immediate repatriation but will be relocated from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Rawalpindi.
Phase 3: Afghans awaiting third-country resettlement must leave ICT and Rawalpindi by March 31, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate their departure with foreign missions. If relocation is not secured, they will be repatriated to Afghanistan.
Phase 4: The plan’s implementation must follow official procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent unauthorized returns.
Phase 5: No public announcements will be made regarding the relocation process.
Phase 6: Intelligence agencies will oversee implementation, monitor its effectiveness, and submit regular reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
New Law Threatens Freedom of Speech – On Thursday, Pakistan enacted a new law criminalizing online disinformation, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison and heavy fines. While authorities claim the law aims to combat fake news, critics argue it is a tool for suppressing dissent, targeting journalists, activists, and opposition figures. The legislation expands state censorship, strengthens digital surveillance, and mandates compliance from social media platforms. Protests erupted nationwide, with press freedom groups condemning the law as a serious threat to free speech and democracy.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting Afghanistan
UNAMA
UNAMA Human Rights Section gathers credible and accurate reports regarding the Human Rights situation in Afghanistan.
UNAMA continues to dialogue with the de facto authorities, advocating on reported violations and raising awareness in human rights standards.Afghanistan as a state remains a party to a number of international human rights treaties. Reports present recommendations which aim to ensure that the obligations set out under these treaties – and the obligations owed by the de facto authorities to the Afghan population in respect of the protection and promotion of human rights- are upheld.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban impose strict limits on dollar transfers to stabilize Afghan currency
Sharif Amiry
In an effort to stabilize the Afghan currency, Taliban on Wednesday issued a six-point decree banning the transfer of more than $5,000 through airports and more than $500 through land borders.
The decree warns that violators will be arrested and imprisoned. The move follows a sharp decline in the value of the afghani against foreign currencies, which has led to soaring food prices and increased hardship for Afghan households.
The steep depreciation of the afghani accelerated after the United States halted aid to Afghanistan. In an attempt to curb the decline, the Taliban’s central bank has auctioned $121 million in less than a month. However, the measure has had little effect. Last month, only $16 million was auctioned, yet the afghani has lost more than 1,000 units in value per $100 over the past month.
Rights group: Taliban rapidly expanding jihadi madrassas across Afghanistan
Yasin Shayan
The Afghanistan Human Rights Center has reported an unprecedented surge in the construction of jihadi madrassas under Taliban rule. The 30-page report highlights how these institutions have become a tool for power consolidation among Taliban leaders and warns of their potentially harmful impact on the mindset and future of the country’s younger generation.
According to the report, the Taliban’s Ministry of Education has allocated a significant portion of its budget to developing religious-jihadi madrassas. In 2023 alone, the Taliban established more than 21,000 such schools nationwide, compared with only 106 regular schools constructed during the same period, the report says.
Each province now hosts at least one large-scale jihadi madrassa, accommodating up to 2,000 students and equipped with comprehensive facilities.
Taliban’s Education Ban Fuels Spike in Child and Forced Marriages, Report Reveals
Kabul Now
The Afghanistan Human Rights Center (AHRC) reported that the Taliban’s education ban has resulted in a sharp rise in child and forced marriages, with schoolgirls being the main victims.
In a report titled “Access to Education for Women Under the Taliban” released on Monday, the rights group revealed that 66% of the victims of forced and early marriages were schoolgirls, with the remainder being university students.
The findings, based on interviews with victims, experts, and activists, also highlight alarming increases in domestic violence, mental health issues, and depression among women and girls as a result of the education ban.
REGIONAL NEWS
Tehran upholds 10-year prison sentence for Iranian-American journalist
Iran International
An Iranian court of appeals has upheld the 10-year prison sentence for Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh, a former employee of a US government-funded broadcaster, his lawyer announced on X.
Mohammad-Hossein Aghasi said Wednesday he informed Valizadeh of the court's widely expected decision to uphold the 10-year prison sentence during a prison visit, but "perhaps a retrial could open the blindfolded eyes of justice."
Shah Meer Baloch and Hannah Ellis-Petersen
As the first flight touched down on the fresh tarmac at Gwadar, it was hailed by Pakistan’s government as a step towards “progress and prosperity”. The newly opened airport – now the largest in the country – built in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province was “a symbol of the cooperation between Pakistan and China”, according to defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
Yet the optics of the event told another story. As it unfolded on 20 January, the surrounding city of Gwadar was put under a draconian security lockdown. And while several senior Pakistan government and military figures were present, their Chinese government counterparts were noticeably absent – even though it was China footing the $230m bill for the airport.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan: Border Monitoring Report - January-December 2024
UNHCR
UNHCR’s border monitoring seeks to assess people’s access to the right to return and map potential protection risks and human rights violations faced across official crossing points. UNHCR conducts inflow and outflow monitoring interviews at both individual and household levels across all eight official crossing points, including Afghanistan's borders with Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. UNHCR’s inflow and outflow monitoring interviews select respondents using a systemic sampling approach, which can generate representative samples with a fixed skipping interval. The interval is determined by the average arrivals of previous week. In addition, UNHCR conducts border monitoring Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) at unofficial crossing points. The findings help UNHCR to identify trends and protection concerns and inform programmatic and advocacy interventions.
This report presents the findings of outflow and inflow border monitoring interviews conducted with Afghans by UNHCR’s partners, Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (CHA), The Welfare Associate for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN), Watan Social and Technical Services Association (WSTA), and Women for Afghan Women (WAW) at eight official crossing points, along with discussions with KIIs in around 50 unofficial crossing points between 1 January – 31 December 2024. UNHCR engaged local NGO partners in this exercise to underlines UNHCR’s commitment to localization.
‘It will kill people’: Chaos, confusion after Trump halts US foreign aid
Nahal Toosi, Robbie Gramer, Carmen Paun
The Trump administration’s sudden halt on U.S. foreign aid is causing chaos inside groups ranging from health providers to landmine removers — interrupting lifesaving programs as officials struggle to understand the scope of the directive.
Following the Friday order from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leaders of aid organizations are looking at which programs to stop, and whether to immediately cut staff or even shut down. As they seek waivers, aid groups are scrambling to adjust — from seeking non-federal funds to help refugees arriving in the U.S. to halting efforts at HIV clinics in Africa.
Trump officials make plans to revoke legal status of migrants welcomed under Biden
Camilo Montoya-Galvez
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the legal status of many of the migrants who were allowed to come to the U.S. legally from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela under former President Joe Biden, according to internal government documents reviewed by CBS News.
The proposal by the Department of Homeland Security, spelled out in an unpublished notice, would fully terminate a Biden administration program that allowed more than 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to fly to the U.S. if American sponsors agreed to help them financially.